Neil Dean Andersen was born on September 10, 1994 to Ardean and Melissa and joined his brother Mark. From the beginning Neil never took small steps. Even before he could walk well, he broke his leg but that never slowed him down. He showed his tenacity to keep going and learned to move across the room even though he was in a body cast.
He always looked up to brother Mark and couldn’t wait to follow in his brother’s footsteps. He learned to show steers while watching his brother and was anxious for his turn. He loved his brother deeply. His love of animals was ever present. He watched hours of the Animal Planet channel. He decided he wanted to buy miniature goats and then researched everything he could about them. He then raised and sold goats. He went on to raise husky dogs, after hours of research of course. He was an active member of FFA in high school and as in all things gave it his all. He enjoyed working in the greenhouse. He became interested in breeding and raising show steers and once again researched. He was very successful and was so happy to get Grand Champion his senior year of high school. Neil was in high demand to help fit steers for showing.
One of the highlights of his life was going to the Denver Stockman Show with Nathan Bushman. Neil attended the University of Utah for two years following high school. Again he was very active in the animal science program.
Neil was a rancher from a very young age. He knew the cows! It didn’t matter which ranch he was working on, Neil knew the cows through and through. Neil loved fishing. Nothing made him happier than to have a fishing pole in his hand, unless it was to go hunting. He loved hunting too.
Neil loved deeply! He was best friends with so many, too many to list. The top of that list though would be his siblings Mark and Jennifer Andersen, Morgan Olson, Kirk Olson, and Makenzie Olson. Oh, the adventures they had!! Neil had a huge love for his niece, Payton and nephew, Eastyn.
Neil met the love of his life, Kyzer on FB through his sister Makenzie. Kyzer soon taught Neil about trick riding. Neil was so excited about traveling and helping Kyzer with his shows. He was so proud of Kyzer! They became engaged and were looking forward to planning their life together. Their love was amazing to see! Neil said recently, “Everything is perfect in my life! Everything is falling into perfect place. I’ve never been happier!” He had such an amazingly contagious smile! He was full of life and energy!
Neil left us suddenly on Tuesday, August 22 at the age of 22. His passing has left a huge hole in many lives. Neil is preceded in death by grandfather Dean (Pops) Andersen. He is survived by fiance Kyzer Stoddard, parents Melissa and Greg Olson, Ardean and Marilyn Andersen, siblings Mark and Jennifer Andersen, Morgan Olson, Kirk Olson, Makenzie Olson, niece Payton Andersen, nephew Eastyn Andersen, grandparents LaRae (Mumzy) Andersen, Duane and Linda Whitworth, and aunts LaNell Andersen, Wendy (Troy) Ward as well as numerous cousins, friends, loved ones and his many animals that he loved so dearly.
A Celebration of Life will be held 11:00 AM Monday, August 28 at the Power County Fairgrounds Rodeo Arena in American Falls. Interment will be in the Arbon Valley Cemetery.